Jacob Chansley with other Trump supporters in the Capitol, on January 6, 2021. AP
Jacob Chansley with other Trump supporters in the Capitol, on January 6, 2021. AP
Jacob Chansley with other Trump supporters in the Capitol, on January 6, 2021. AP
Jacob Chansley with other Trump supporters in the Capitol, on January 6, 2021. AP

'QAnon Shaman' January 6 rioter released from jail months early


Patrick deHahn
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Jacob Chansley, a rioter at the deadly January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, was released early from a prison sentence to a halfway house on Thursday, US news reports said.

Chansley is in a "residential re-entry management" centre in Phoenix, Arizona, CBS News reported, quoting federal prison records.

He is due to be released on May 25, months earlier than scheduled, according to the records.

Chansley was dubbed the "QAnon Shaman" after he wore face paint and plastic horns as he yelled and marched through the halls of the building that is the symbol of American democracy.

Far-right supporters gathered on the National Mall that day and burst into the US Capitol after a speech in which then-president Donald Trump told them to "fight like hell".

Seven people, including police officers, died in connection to the attack.

Chansley pled guilty to federal charges of obstructing an official proceeding. The rioters were trying to prevent the formal Congressional certification of the 2020 election win for Democrat Joe Biden.

Chansley was also charged with civil disorder and being disruptive in a restricted building, the Capitol.

He was sentenced to 41 months in prison and 36 months of supervised release.

Chansley was due to be released from prison in July this year. Federal prisoners are allowed to request early release.

“After serving 11 months in solitary prior to his sentence being imposed, and only 16 months of his sentence thereafter, it is appropriate this gentle and intelligent young man be permitted to move forward with the next stage of what undoubtedly will be a law-abiding and enriching life," his lawyer Albert Watkins told The Hill on Thursday.

At least 1,000 people have been charged in connection to the January 6 attack as part of “one of the largest, most complex and most resource-intensive investigations” in US history.

Another thousand charges could still come as a result of continuing investigations.

  • Donald Trump, the president at the time, speaks during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as president in Washington on January 6, 2021. AP
    Donald Trump, the president at the time, speaks during a rally protesting the electoral college certification of Joe Biden as president in Washington on January 6, 2021. AP
  • A mob loyal to Mr Trump tries to break through a police barrier at the Capitol. AP
    A mob loyal to Mr Trump tries to break through a police barrier at the Capitol. AP
  • The mob waves pro-Trump flags in front of the Capitol building. AP
    The mob waves pro-Trump flags in front of the Capitol building. AP
  • Riot police push back a crowd of rioters at the Capitol building. AFP
    Riot police push back a crowd of rioters at the Capitol building. AFP
  • Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol building. AFP
    Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as people try to storm the US Capitol building. AFP
  • Insurrectionists loyal to Mr Trump try to open a door of the US Capitol building as they riot in Washington. AP
    Insurrectionists loyal to Mr Trump try to open a door of the US Capitol building as they riot in Washington. AP
  • US Capitol Police push back rioters trying to enter the US Capitol. AP
    US Capitol Police push back rioters trying to enter the US Capitol. AP
  • Police and rioters confront each other in the Rotunda of the Capitol. US Capitol Police via AP
    Police and rioters confront each other in the Rotunda of the Capitol. US Capitol Police via AP
  • Smoke fills the hallway outside the Senate chamber of the Capitol. AP
    Smoke fills the hallway outside the Senate chamber of the Capitol. AP
  • Insurrectionists loyal to Mr Trump breach the Capitol in Washington. AP
    Insurrectionists loyal to Mr Trump breach the Capitol in Washington. AP
  • Trump supporters, including Doug Jensen, centre, confront US Capitol Police in the hallway outside the Senate chamber at the Capitol. AP
    Trump supporters, including Doug Jensen, centre, confront US Capitol Police in the hallway outside the Senate chamber at the Capitol. AP
  • Newly installed razor wire tops the fence surrounding the US Capitol following the January 6 riot. Reuters
    Newly installed razor wire tops the fence surrounding the US Capitol following the January 6 riot. Reuters
  • Security agents and members of Congress barricade the door to the House chamber as the violent mob breaches the Capitol. AP
    Security agents and members of Congress barricade the door to the House chamber as the violent mob breaches the Capitol. AP
  • Rioter Jacob Chansley holds a sign referencing QAnon as supporters of Mr Trump gather to protest the early results of the 2020 presidential election. Reuters
    Rioter Jacob Chansley holds a sign referencing QAnon as supporters of Mr Trump gather to protest the early results of the 2020 presidential election. Reuters
Updated: March 30, 2023, 8:26 PM